Hood River's Double Mountain Brewery and Taproom joins forces with Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area (and brings the beer) to celebrate the last day of mountain operations for the season this Saturday, May 17.

Three bands are playing, including Austin legend Bad Livers.

Incidentally, this is an opportunity to tell me, the blogger, whether Double Mountain is one of Hood River's best brew pubs (use the form far below, for all sorts of Hood River favorites). I left DM out of my poll for best apres-ski bar (below left), so all I can do is ask forgiveness: bless me for I have sinned . . .

Any hoots, the Saturday festival at Meadows takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on the sundeck of Meadows main lodge. It's called, what else, "Season’s End Beer and Music Fest." And, did I mention, BAD LIVERS is playing? Whoops, I almost typed that Bad Luvers (they probably retired after hearing this one so much).

According to Dave Tragethon, the Meadows' pitch man, the fest's energetic musical lineup includes Columbia Gorge-based bluegrass/roots band Green Neck Daredevils, Portland-based power trio The Quick and Easy Boys, and a much anticipated performance by, drum roll please, the Bad Livers.
What is the best ski bar on Mount Hood's Hood River side?

The Wikipedia entry says the Bad Livers no longer exist, but what does Wikipedia know? You can bet its salesman won't be quaffing brews when the reunited boys from Austin, Texas, are cranking out tunes at Meadows.

The band's website (badlivers.com) says this: "The 'touring' part of the Bad Livers story has concluded. However, Bad Livers are currently accepting select engagements. Simply drop us a message and we would be happy to share with you our performance requirements."

It's amazing what a few free snowboard passes can do.

Acclaimed for their innovative style and musicianship, according to Tragethon, the Bad Livers have maintained a devout following of roots/bluegrass fans since the early '90s. In 2007 they were inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame. They have helped pave the way for the resurgence of old old-time (huh?) and bluegrass music of today.

Although they disbanded in 2000, the Bad Livers have selectively performed gigs over the last few years, to the delight of fans, music critics and pitchmen like Mr. Dave at Meadows.

The Season’s End Beer and Music Fest will also include a variety of food from the Mt. Hood Meadows Sun Deck Grill, along with Double Mountain beer for purchase. A wide variety of Double Mountain beer will be on tap, including its seasonal pilsner, a new never released IPA, and a number of other surprise beer selections from the Double Mountain Taproom.

Mt. Hood Meadows' final day of 2013-14 season will have the lifts run 9 a.m.-2 p.m. A last day ski package deal is available online that includes all-day equipment rental, lift ticket and a $20 Double Mountain gift certificate for $59. Lift tickets will also be available for purchase at the ticket window for $49.